Cheap DIY Corner Shelf: 7 Steps to Saving Space

Is there one small corner in your home that needs decorating? Take an old door and turn it into a corner shelf!

This repurposing project is definitely a creative and clever idea for adding an eye-catching piece of display furniture in any room. Essentially, you won’t be taking up space since corners aren’t commonly utilized for any purpose at all!

It’s very easy to turn an old door into a corner shelf. Simply cut it vertically in half, secure both pieces together with brackets, add shelves and paint it with any color that you desire! Applying bright colors will really make your old door corner shelf stand out. :)

Do you want a new conversation piece in your home?

Building a Corner Shelf

Materials

• Old Solid Core Door
• Particle Board
• 2 cans of Spray Paint
• Vintage Door Knob (optional)
• Wood Screw
• Metal L-Brackets

Tools

• Measuring Tape
• Circular Saw
• Sander
• Cordless Drill
• Wood Clamps

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Door

1. Begin by cleaning the door thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or peeling paint. This ensures a smooth surface for painting and cutting.
2. If the door has any hardware (hinges, knobs, etc.), remove it. If you plan to use a vintage doorknob as a decorative element, set it aside for later.

Step 2: Measure and Cut the Door

1. Using the measuring tape, find the center of the door’s width. Mark this line vertically from top to bottom; this is where you will cut the door in half to create two pieces that will form the corner shelf.
2. Secure the door with wood clamps to a stable work surface to ensure it doesn’t move while cutting.
3. With the circular saw, carefully cut along the marked line to split the door into two equal halves.

Step 3: Sand the Door Halves

1. Sand the cut edges of both door halves until smooth to remove any splinters or rough areas. You may also lightly sand the rest of the door if you plan to repaint it, ensuring the surface is smooth and ready for painting.

Step 4: Form the Corner Shelf Structure

1. Position the two halves in a 90-degree angle to mimic the corner where they will be installed. Use wood clamps to hold the pieces together.
2. Secure the two halves together using metal L-brackets. Place the brackets on the inside of the corner, spacing them evenly. Use the cordless drill and wood screws to attach the brackets to the door halves, ensuring a stable corner structure.

Step 5: Prepare and Attach Shelves

1. Measure the distance from the corner outwards on both door halves where you want each shelf to be. This will be the depth of your shelves.
2. Cut the particle board into shelves based on your measurements. Each shelf will have a right-angled triangle shape to fit within the corner structure.
3. Sand the edges of the shelves for smoothness.
4. Position the shelves at your marked locations and secure them to the door halves using wood screws. For added stability, you may choose to add small L-brackets under each shelf.

Step 6: Painting

1. In a well-ventilated area, spray paint both the door corner shelf structure and the shelves. Apply even coats and allow sufficient drying time as indicated on the spray paint cans. Apply a second coat if necessary for full coverage.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

1. Once the paint is dry, you can add a vintage doorknob as a decorative feature or for hanging items. Choose the location for the knob, drill a hole if necessary, and secure the knob in place.
2. Install your corner shelf in the desired location. Depending on the weight of the shelf and what you plan to display, you may need to secure it to the wall with additional brackets or mounting hardware.

Design Variations for Corner Shelves

In the realm of home decor, corner shelves emerge as a versatile and innovative solution to utilize underused spaces, especially when crafted from repurposed materials like old doors. This approach not only elevates the aesthetic appeal of a room but also contributes to sustainable living practices. 

With the focus keyword “corner shelf” in mind, let’s delve into various design variations that cater to diverse interior styles, ensuring there’s an option for every taste and decor theme.

Modern Minimalist

For those who appreciate the clean lines and simplicity of modern minimalist design, a corner shelf crafted from an old door can be transformed to fit this aesthetic with ease. By painting the shelf in monochromatic hues such as matte black, white, or grey, and incorporating sleek, straight shelves, the piece can become a statement of understated elegance. 

Minimalist corner shelves work best when decorated with a select few items. The design ensures the space feels open and uncluttered.

Rustic Charm

The rustic design variation is perfect for adding warmth and character to a room. To achieve this look, consider preserving the original finish of the door or applying techniques to age the wood further. 

Adding hardware in distressed metal or incorporating elements like burlap and lace can enhance the rustic appeal. A rustic corner shelf is ideal for displaying vintage finds, family heirlooms, or a collection of antique books, adding a cozy, lived-in feel to the space.

Vintage Elegance

For those drawn to the elegance of past eras, transforming an old door into a vintage-style corner shelf can add a touch of nostalgia and charm to any room. Choosing pastel paint colors or applying a crackle paint finish can give the piece an authentic, aged look. 

Ornate vintage knobs or decorative molding can add intricate details, making the corner shelf not just a piece of furniture but a work of art. This style pairs well with floral arrangements, framed vintage photographs, and delicate china or glassware.

Industrial Edge

An industrial design variation combines metal and wood elements to create a corner shelf with a bold, urban feel. Consider incorporating metal brackets and pipes for the shelving supports to contrast with the wooden door. 

Leaving the wood in its raw, unfinished state or opting for a dark stain can enhance the industrial vibe. This type of corner shelf is perfect for displaying metal accents, industrial lamps, or books, adding a dynamic and modern edge to the space.

Bohemian Flair

The bohemian design variation is all about creating a relaxed, eclectic vibe. Painting the corner shelf in vibrant colors or adorning it with patterns and motifs can set the stage for a boho-chic interior. Adding elements like hanging plants, woven baskets, and a mix of textured fabrics can turn the corner shelf into a focal point of creative expression and cultural elements.

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Customization Tips and Techniques

Customizing a corner shelf can transform a simple storage solution into a standout piece of decor that reflects your style and enhances the overall aesthetic of your space. Whether you’ve crafted your corner shelf from an old door or are looking to update an existing piece, these tips and techniques will help you personalize it to perfection.

Let’s explore ways to tailor this versatile piece to your taste and decor.

Choose a Theme

Selecting a theme for your corner shelf is a foundational step in the customization process. This decision should be influenced by both the current decor of your room and your personal aesthetic preferences. 

Whether you lean towards a vintage charm that evokes a sense of nostalgia, a modern minimalism that speaks to sleek simplicity, a rustic ambiance that brings the warmth and ruggedness of nature indoors, or an industrial vibe that recalls the raw, unfinished feel of warehouses and factories, your chosen theme will set the tone for your customization journey.

Incorporating the theme into your corner shelf involves more than just a superficial application of decor elements; it’s about ensuring that your corner shelf becomes a cohesive part of your space. Use paint, finishes, and decorative elements strategically to reinforce the theme. 

For instance, a vintage-themed corner shelf might benefit from antique finishes and period-appropriate ornaments. On the other hand, a modern-themed shelf might shine with glossy paint and streamlined, geometric decorations.

Play with Paint

The transformative power of paint on your corner shelf cannot be overstated. With a palette of colors, you can turn your corner shelf into a striking focal point or a subtle complement to your room’s decor. 

Bold colors can breathe life into a drab corner, making your shelf a vibrant centerpiece. On the other hand, soft, neutral tones can create a serene backdrop for your displayed items, enhancing the overall harmony of the room.

Beyond mere color selection, your techniques can add texture and visual interest layers to your corner shelf. Distressing techniques can imbue your shelf with a lived-in, vintage feel, making it seem to have a story to tell. 

Using a sponge to apply paint can create a nuanced, textured effect, adding depth and dimension to the surface. Stenciling allows for the introduction of patterns and motifs, offering a way to infuse personality and flair into your corner shelf design.

Add Decorative Details

One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to customize your corner shelf is by swapping out or adding decorative knobs and hardware. This small change can have a big effect on the shelf’s aesthetic and usability. Vintage knobs can lend a timeless charm to your corner shelf, making it resonate with elegance and history. 

On the other hand, Ornate pulls can introduce a level of sophistication and detail that enhances the shelf’s visual appeal. For those leaning towards a more modern or industrial look, incorporating industrial-style hardware can add an element of ruggedness and character, tying the shelf back to the overarching theme of the room. These hardware choices contribute to the shelf’s beauty and functionality, making it easier to access or move.

Decorative Moulding

Adding decorative molding or trim is another effective way to customize your corner shelf. This approach is particularly impactful in spaces that feature traditional or vintage themes, where elegance and attention to detail are paramount. 

Decorative molding can frame the corner shelf, adding a polished, finished look that elevates the piece from a simple storage solution to a work of art. Whether it’s intricate designs that echo the Victorian era or simpler, sleek lines that complement a more contemporary aesthetic, moulding can significantly enhance the shelf’s elegance and integrate it seamlessly into the room’s decor.

The strategic integration of lighting into your corner shelf can dramatically enhance its appearance and how it showcases your treasured items. LED strip lights, for instance, can be affixed to the undersides of shelves to cast a warm, inviting glow over the items displayed, be it decor pieces, books, or collectibles. This not only highlights your possessions but also adds a layer of depth and warmth to the room. 

Small, battery-operated lights offer a versatile and easy-to-install option for adding illumination without complex wiring or permanent fixtures. By incorporating lighting, your corner shelf can become a focal point in the evening, creating an ambiance that enhances the overall mood of your space.

The strategic incorporation of diverse materials and textures can significantly enhance your corner shelf’s visual appeal and tactile experience, transforming it into an eye-catching element of your decor. The focus keyword here, “corner shelf,” underscores the importance of this piece not just as a functional item but as a key player in the room’s aesthetic ensemble.

Introducing various materials to your corner shelf can create a rich tapestry of textures that captivate the eye and invite touch. Lining the back of the shelves with fabric introduces a soft, plush element that contrasts beautifully with the solid structure of the shelf. Fabrics can range from luxurious velvets to rustic burlaps, depending on the theme of your room.

Wallpaper offers another avenue for texture and pattern, with endless designs to complement any decor style. From bold geometric patterns to delicate floral prints, wallpaper can transform the back panel of your corner shelf into a striking backdrop for your displayed items.

Wood veneer is a great choice for adding natural textures and warmth to your corner shelf. Wood’s rich grain and color variations can enhance the shelf’s visual depth and connect it to other wooden elements in the room, creating a cohesive design scheme.

Personalize with Accessories

Personalizing your corner shelf with accessories is where your creativity can truly shine, allowing you to infuse the space with your individuality and interests. This aspect of customization turns the corner shelf into a canvas for self-expression.

Your corner shelf offers the perfect platform to display collections that are meaningful to you. Whether it’s an array of books that have influenced you, plants that bring life and greenery into your home, artwork that inspires you, or personal memorabilia that tells your story, each item contributes to a uniquely yours display.

Arranging these items with consideration to varying heights, textures, and colors not only maximizes the aesthetic appeal of your corner shelf but also creates a dynamic visual narrative. Books can be stacked or lined up with intriguing bookends, plants can introduce organic shapes and textures, artwork can add color and depth, and personal memorabilia can introduce stories and memories.

The key to a visually appealing display is balance and contrast. Experiment with the arrangement of items until you find a harmonious yet interesting composition. Playing with symmetry, layering items of different sizes, and incorporating pops of color can all contribute to a display that catches the eye and reflects your personality.

FAQ on Constructing and Customizing Your Corner Shelf

Conclusion

Transforming an old door into a corner shelf offers a creative way to repurpose materials and adds a unique and functional piece to any room. Through customization and personalization, this project allows for endless possibilities to match your decor and showcase your style. With the right tools, materials, and imagination, anyone can create a corner shelf that stands out as a conversation piece in their home.

For more unique shelves, check out our guide on building a DIY guitar shelf!